Peru-Day 2

Today is Tuesday! However, I am still playing catch up on my blogging and updating of information. So what I’m saying is, today is actually “Sunday.” It was a very exciting day for us, “hermanos”, as they call us. We were asked to lead the church service at Monte Sion that morning.  Leading the service meant we were going to lead them in worship, in the sermon, as well as a few other surprises.  The worship went absolutely wonderful, we sang “Better is One day”, “Amazing Grace-My chains are gone”, & “Heart of Worship”. Their faces just lit up as we all went to the front and began singing altogether, even though we sang them all in English. After the first two songs Claire gave her testimony, and did splendidly. Following Claire I got the privilege and the opportunity to paint my picture from pageant along to the song “Beautiful Things” by the Gungor Band. Not everything was going my way that morning, including waking up late and FORGETTING the glitter to my painting. However after the response of the church congregation, and the fill in glitter from Carrie, I realized they didn’t care that it wasn’t exactly perfect, and that God had everything under control; including the Pastor-Helmer Chavez coming up to me to say that he understood what the painting symbolized.  Bobby talked about how BIG God is in our lives, and the beauty of his magnitude. We were ever so lucky to have Ramon translate in Spanish for us, he truly has been a massive blessing for us all; including the people we come into contact with daily, on the streets or at Monte Sion. My only hope is that we will not take him for granted.  A language barrier has to be one of the most frustrating feelings on the face of the planet. I know some Spanish, enough to get me by, but not being able to carry on an in depth conversation is very discouraging; so Ramon is a big help for all of us with that barrier. After we left the church, we came back and had a delicious lunch at Villa Milagro; which was waiting for us when we arrived. Lunch was chicken salad sandwich, chips, cheese crackers, and chocolate covered almonds, and this was delicious, but nothing in comparison to all of the meals we have been eating and will continue to eat. Then following we gathered up any and every ball or sports game to play with that we could take to the church that afternoon. We made plans that afternoon to meet up with the youth and play games and hangout, just one youth group with another.  We had quite a few there to play with, most of the youth we had met and gotten to know through the Quincineria and the church service that morning. We played with the Frisbee, some played volleyball, but the biggest hit was soccer. Now let me tell you, soccer here is not a joke whatsoever. They play on concrete, on grass, on dirt, on gravel; it doesn’t matter as long as you have a ball and a goal. Rules don’t really apply, other than if you seriously injure someone, or the ball goes out of bounds. No one was seriously injured, or as far as I can tell. Others who didn’t play, sat and talked on the sidelines or played another game, but no one person was alone in that entire courtyard. It was a lot of fun and a good way to end the evening. Whenever leaving the church or any other place we go to, it never fails that they ask, “When will we see you next?” or “Do you want to come back tonight or tomorrow or whenever?” It’s a good feeling to know that they want more of you, or more time to hang out with you. When we returned back to Villa Milagro, we had a moment to breathe and then had yet another fantastic meal prepared by the kitchen staff. To keep this from rolling on and on, we closed the night out with debriefing the day, and giving out “gold” stars, as well as planning the first day of VBS. Yet another successful day!

Please continue to keep everyone in your prayers, maybe not necessarily for safety or for supernatural energy, but that God would continue to open our eyes to the needs of those around us, and for humble hearts to serve no matter the circumstance. However safety and energy are always positive, but that’s understood already.

God continues to remind me that he is in control, that he has a plan and that we are all a part of it; all we have to do is just listen.

Dios de Bendiga, Love,

Mare

Peru- Day 1

Well its real people. We are in Cajarmarca Peru at Villa Milagro (Miracle Village- in case you aren’t currently caught up on your Spanish). It’s completely unreal, and the feeling of home is ever present in my mind. I mean really, this besides San Angelo, and Belton,  has that feeling of home; not sure what it is…could be the beautiful people and staff and Larry, or the fact of just getting completely away from the distractions of the U.S mentality or something else?! Whatever it may be, I can only hope that if it hasn’t already settled in with the rest of the crew, that it does throughout this week. It is exactly that feeling that will spur you to continue living the life Christ calls us to live, back in the states after our trip is done.

It has been a long day my friends, I mean lonnnnnnnnng day. We arrived in Miami in good time, and made our flight and headed out to Lima; a lovely 5 hour, overnight flight. Upon arrival in Lima, we prepared ourselves for a new experience, besides lack of sleep, but a nice 6 hour layover; which in all honesty we conquered with ease and a little cat nap here and there. Also, for those of us who chose to avoid the nagging tiredness, we played with beanie babies…yes the beanie babies we brought to hand out at the orphanage; they were tossed and juggled and thrown across the terminal in an attempt to entertain ourselves; mostly successful, and gained some Peruvian onlookers as well.

The flight from Lima to Cajarmarca was a quick one, only an hour…PTL (praise the lord). We were all ready and revved up to get off on our way. The best memory of the day for me is when I first saw Larry waiting at the terminal for us; there is nothing like seeing an old friend, and knowing what experiences come along with knowing and staying with him at Villa Milagro, as well as his staff; and today Celso received us as well! Second greatest moment in being a returner to Villa Milagro, is when those besides Larry who live and work with the site, remember who you are; Celso was the first of many. Now after we all got outside and loaded up in our vans, we headed to our home for the next oh week or so. Waiting for us was a fantastic breakfast and bright smiling faces! We also were lucky enough to meet the now permanent missionary family, helping Larry and his mission, Justin and Deidra and their two girls AnnaMarie and Madison. They are phenomenal people, gosh let me tell you; talk about radical and following God’s direction, they did it folks! But more about them later, after breakfast we got to nap!!! And when I say nap I mean until 1 o clock people! Woohoo!

Folllowing our nap, was lunch; yes food again, of course. Now they don’t mess around here when it comes to meal time, no sir-ee, they know how to feed us. We then got to tour the farm a bit, and those who havent’ seen it, went into the office (White House) building and looked at the ceramics, and trinkets, and woven bags and alpaca blankets, etc…that are made on site here at Villa Milagro, from locals who come in, wanting to learn a trade or just looking for a small job. Just one more way Larry helps out the community. Once we finished here, we headed back on the vans to the square in Cajarmarca. Once there, we all split and looked around a little, but then headed up to the hill top, or Silla de Inca, to take a look at the valley and its absolutely breathtaking scenery. The hike was no joke, a lot, a whooole lot of stairs, and not evenly sized either. Passed a beautiful church about halfway up, as well as many stores to shop in and experience the culture in. The church was filled with people singing, and what a neat experience that was, to hear them shouting and praising in the middle of the day. To the right of the church was a little hut, where a man charged you one soles (35 cents people!) to see the park/Silla de Inca, top of the hill. And believe me, if you are ever there, I don’t care how hard it may seem to climb and it’s well worth the time and effort, to see the view and scenery. Oh and by the way, don’t worry I’ll be sharing pictures of all this with you as well; not going to leave you hanging, or to your own imagination for that matter. J On our way down, we shopped a little in the stores, and talked with the locals inside. Gots myself a new bag, and one that is very indigenous to the people and this area. It was just so fun inside, and talking the owner and his wife- the owner spoke English very fluently and surprised me when I asked how much in Spanish. And when shopping here, it is incredibly crazy how stupid cheap everything is, when you convert it from soles to American dollars; so kind of a secretly special treat going on for us there. 

After spending time in the square, we returned back to Villa Milagro and prepared for the Quincineria, we were so graciously invited to. Su- Hei, was the girl, well young lady turning 15. Larry informed us that her family didn’t have much and that the church and youth as well as himself, were putting this birthday Quincineria on for her.  It was a very interesting experienece to be at a birthday party where you literally had no clue who the family was, but knew that being there would be making memories for them for a lifetime. Her dress was precious, the decorations were precious, and she was…yes precious, but also very beautiful. One of our very own boys from the youth was chosen through an event similar to the bouquet toss, to be her escort for the evening. It seemed to be a very interesting experience for him, or so it seemed from our perspective. Also as the evening continued to pan out, we were asked to sing 2 songs, and present a gift to her. Larry helped us out with the gift, and she seemed extremely thankful for it (it being a silver watch and earrings, as well as some hairbands. The songs were in English, but she didn’t care one bit, she was just ever so thankful. However, Larry being the pedrano( Godfather), he provided her with a motive for transportation, her brand spankin new bicycle! I wish you could have seen the look on her face, you’ve never seen a bigger smile and one more full of genuine gratitude. After the presentation of gifts from us, and her family; members of her family and friends continued on with the program, singing a few more songs , providing dinner (which we have no clue where it came from, but it was absolutely wonderful!!), etc…We then closed down the night, with hugs goodbye and smiles all around.

After we arrived back at Villa Milagro, we began planning for our church service the next morning, and discussing how our first day/2 days including flying, had been. It’s the end of the day, and moments where we can open up about how God is moving in our lives, that we grow stronger together as a group.

I’m positive that I have left out a few minor details, but in order for you to get all the info, you’d actually have to be here. Since you are not, you can just catch up on most of what is going on during our trip. Oh, and by the way, please excuse my poor use of punctuation. When trying to remember all the info and catch ya’ll up, grammar and punctuation are pretty much thrown out the window. So I apologize in advanced, but more than likely my habits won’t change as the day’s progress. Well now, I believe that’s enough for this blog, more to come later.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Love, Mare

it's finally time!

Hello all! Once again, my apologies go out to being the worst blogger in the midwest (gotta give myself some leeway). I'm sure you're wondering what its "finally time" for? Well if you really want to know, it is finally time for my mission trip to Peru, ROUND 2!!! I cannot even begin to express the excitement that is running through me, it's a beautiful feeling my friends! I must say, for the youth and adults going as well, who've never been, the anxiousness and curiosity has to be killing you! However, knowing what is already there, waiting for you, has to be one of the best and most amazing feelings around. 

This time around, we will not be doing any medical missions, as we did in 2009. This trip is more for the youth, and adults coming along as well, and a few of us returning home college students; we will be doing a three day bible school, a few food drops i believe, cleaning and working on, and in the clinic, and helping Larry and the rest of the crew at Villa Milagro with whatever they're needs are. 

Seriously people, i wish i had the time to share exactly how i'm feeling leading up to arriving to Dallas, and then flying out tomorrow morning to Miami, and then on to Lima, and then our final destination Cajarmarca, Peru. My heart is just ever so joyful, and anxious to be there, and see those who i love ever so much, and those i haven't met yet, and cannot wait to meet. 

I am ever so thankful for a heavenly father, who has given me the opportunity and financial stability to be able to go back so soon. I knew no matter what that i would return someday. God is even more amazing, because my whole family is getting the opportunity to go, Mom and Cally will be experiencing this trip for the first time, and this will also be the second for Dad! What a gracious father we have.

We will be gone the 1st of July and then return the 11th. This trip is going to be amazing for all of us. It will test our faith, our strength and patience, but will be a blessing unimaginable. Please please please be praying for our team this next week or so, for humble attitudes, for loving and embracing hearts and the opportunities to step outside our comfort zones, to sacrifice our selfish desires, to be his hands and feet. Please be praying for the families, the kids, the adults, the staff at Villa Milagro, they work so hard, and deserve so much praise and prayer, and thank yous. Please pray for Larry, for strength to keep doing what he's doing, will a peace in knowing that God is sovereign and in control, to know that he is doing Christs work and making his heart ever so happy. Please pray for Larry and Joy, for healing, Joy isn't able to be with us in Peru, due to an illness she contracted a few years back, that has made her ever so weak, that traveling isnt an option, and prayer for just a joyful mindset in knowing that their love is stronger than an illness and distance. All your prayers, are so very much appreciated, and a blessing to everyone involved with this trip. You have a part in all this, even though you may not even step foot there, here you have a purpose!

Thank you again. I am also letting you know a little at a time, because I will actually be taking the good ole' lap top with me, and will be giving updates on the blog, along with pictures, so you can keep informed and experience what we are so fortunate to experience!

"Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:19

Love, 

Mare

oh the home life

Well everyone... I"M HOME! And actually I have been for quite some time now!
Enjoying every second of it for sure. Feeling pretty lucky to have the chance to sleep in...mmm how i've missed sleep. However the mornings are awfully quiet, seeing as the family is all away at school teaching, principaling, and being a student...so thats new, but good as well. I have to be honest, i kind of miss the chaos of life at school, makes every moment full of life for sure. But really people, i love being home, i do. 


-This summer's outlook so far, looks pretty good, interesting for sure.
1. Working at a local Snow Cone Stand: Kokomo Joes. Yup that'd be my hardworking job....it's great really!
2. Recently just found out I will be getting to join Miss Audrey Hale and the High schoolers from her Church in Rockwall, to their Camp in Orange Beach Alabama! Whoot!
3. One of the bigggggest moments, PERU! I have been waiting for this trip, since Bobby (the youth minister for FBC, home church) asked me if i wanted to go! God is good, I said any chance I had i would go back in a heart beat; and he presented me with this opportunity to go and did i mention the WHOLE family is getting to go! Cannot wait! July 1-11! So heads up, please be praying for those going, that we would be able to humble ourselves to put those we come into contact with first, and be the guiding light to the gospel. Also pray for open hearts and open minds, as we share the love of Christ with them. Oh one more prayer request, the man who leads it all up, up there in Cajamarca Peru, his wife is very sick, and she is the absolute love of his life, but so is his call to missions, pray for healing, but more than anything for peace and discernment in his life. He's a great man, and you'll get to hear more about him, and the trip when i return!
4. It already happened May 7th, but Sarah's Wedding! One of the highlights of my oh' eleven summer, and a great way to kick it all off. Jw Alexander and Sarah Alexander are two of the most amazing people you'll ever meet. They love each other totally and completely with a love that comes from being so very sound in Christ. If you are looking for a happy couple, then here they are! I love you both o-so very much, and I want to thank you for the advice and encouragement you so openly share with me! (Also the bridal party, Kelly, Katherine, Gunnar, and Ryan, were pretty wonderful as well i must say! We always have a good time together, which made the wedding that much more fun!)
5. Mmm selfishly, my birthday?! June 16th! Its always fun to have a summer birthday, and I'm gonna be twenty...wow. I can hardly believe it!
6. My sweet sweet friend from UMHB, Miss Lindsay Adam, GOT ENGAGED! Yes, Linds and Ricardo are getting married, well not right away but still, they're engaged! Could not be happier for them! I know they're wedding will be wonderful, and so much fun as well! Congratulations guys!
7. I've been reading again, yes another book for another summer. Last year it was "A Love Worth Giving" by Max Lucado, and this summer's so far has been "When God Writes Your Love Story" by Eric and Leslie Ludy. This book so far has been exactly what i've needed to hear. I'm learning to live out the "sweeter song" as they say, and allow God the pen for my love life here, and my love life with him as well. Its a very wonderful book, and I'm almost already done with it! i'm beginning to really like reading here, this  is a big deal! Its just ever so relaxing, and I'm hoping to continue once I've finished this book; well i assume I am, because i already have another one picked out!


Alright so there ya go. Home is sweet! 
-I'm missing my family from school...ALOT! but, however, I am comforted in knowing that our return will be ever so sweet, and in due time! 




joyful
-mare

"time really does fly"

It is 10:45, and my last night at UMHB.......well for sophomore year anyways. I really truly cannot believe how fast this year went. You know as a senior in high school, and or a freshman in college, everyone you come into contact with thats older, tells you its going to go fast; but you never believe it. Now I officially can say that one of those people is me, because quite frankly it goes by faster than you can imagine. I mean really, I will be a junior in the fall of oh' 11 people! I must say its a bittersweet thing, but I really have no regrets whatsoever. I have been living the dream life. I go to a school I love, I have the best friends/family here I could ask for, and some of the most memorable moments of my entire life...thus far. 


Go ahead, take a look:

                                           FYC Leaders 2010-2011!!! Before Freshman Initiation
                                       It may not show here, but yes they got a BIG SURPRISE!!!
                                                   

                                                           Look out World! TRYON 8203!!!

                                     This explains the fact that we had 3 Roomie Birthdays this year!
                                                   and yes the 3 did not include me (43 days)

                                    This is Esther, one of my favorite freshman &
                                         spotlighting partner for CruKnights 2011! 
                          (By the way, I'll be one of the 3 Asst. Directors for CKs 2012!)

Just a few other moments in our lives, my roomie and her darling boo jake! I have about 30 different pictures of them all throughout the camera; Ash and I in our sorority squat, kind of a not so secret obsession of ours; that cute black puppy is Ellie girl- nicole's newest addition, and this last photo is Milkshake Monday- a tradition started last year during the winter? But nonetheless Spencer's Mom flys in from Washington & makes milkshakes for the crew!

So you don't get overloaded on the photo's I'll leave you with a few last photos! It is one of the highlights and traditions at UMHB, no not homecoming, not formal, not intrameurals, but the raddest dance party of the year...INFORMAL OH'11!

I must say that there are just way to many moments to publish to the world, i'd have to make a brand new blog, and then it wouldn't be as good, wayyyyy to repetitive. So i figure a few updates everyone and then will keep you coming back, or interested just enough.

By the way, the only thing that will top off my year as it comes to a close, is the opening of summer! My weekend will start summer off on the right foot, My best friend from home, Sarah Griffin, will become Mrs. Sarah Alexander this weekend! Yup wedding season is going to start off the right way! Looking forward to seeing all the festivities go down and what not!

Also, one more thing...I gots a job for summer! I'll be slaving day and night at KOKOMO Jo's Snowcones! I know, riveting huh? Definitely going to be a good summer! Then bring on the good times back in the fall, starting JUNIOR year.

joy joy joy,

-mare

life is sweet

Well like almost every post i have, this one will be the same in bringing you the updates on life lately; seeing as how i'm extremely inconsistent with keeping a blog. I'm not good at making promises to keep up with it really, either. However, that is completely besides the point.


Life is good today in the world of Mary Baucom. I came home this weekend for Sarah! This weekend was all about her, and the bridal showers, as well as JW and the rest of the crew, Kelly, Gunnar, and Ryan (Jake couldn't make it); oh and never forgetting to mention the wonderful family as well :).  Came into town friday, went straight to decorating the church, and then Logan's Roadhouse with the family after, for dinner. At dinner i was able to see the love of Christ through a simple "Thank You" from my Dad to the group of Firefighters, a table away.The Manager came by and assured us that they had already paid for their food! For those of you who aren't up to date, or just need a reminder, Texas is just being beaten down with Wild fires, San Angelo is being effected, and all the surrounding towns and ranches are just devastated with the destruction. San Angelo doesn't reep much of the burn, in a sense because we aren't just open land in the direct path of the fire. However anyone and everyone is pitching in to do their share. God is good, and he obviously has this under control in a way that will strengthen the community and bring him Glory. However continuous prayer is always encouraged. After playing catch up with the family, came back decorated strawberries for the shower, and was later picked up by the boys to head to the Skating Rink; we surprised JDub with Gunnar, and had a great time skating, and falling and laughing. Afterwards we weren't tired so took on bowling until it closed and ended the night at WhataBurger; once again laughing the whole time. Sarah finally got to be a really college kid and stayed out late with us the whole time!
The next day, this morning was the church shower for Sarah, the girlier one, where no boys are really technically allowed; except to show up at the end and help pack all of the new goodies away. It was a pretty good turn out i'd say, and Sarah enjoyed it for sure. We hung out this afternoon, rocking the socks off the Madagascar Carts, and Kinetic sports video games. Tonight after our hangout, we had the couples fiesta shower, put on by a teacher of Sarah's from school and church/school family friends. This was a little different shower wise, not your usual setting, but more of a good dinner time and great conversation. Ended the night out at the lake dancing to country music; doesn't get any better...except for some of us, the genre could have been a little different, but nonetheless it was a good ending to a great weekend.


Sad to go back, but also know that going back is always a positive! Life at UMHB is just as wonderful as always, except when i'm fighting with stats for my grade, but no worries it will eventually be over. Finals is oh i think 2 weeks away ish now? Gosh i dont know where my sophomore year went?! I'm about to be a junior in the fall!! This is nuts, but exciting as well. I am blessed, there is no other way around it, wonderful friends, wonderful family, and a God who never stops loving me, and reminding me daily of it!


Looking forward to San Antonio with the girls this next weekend!!! Bachelorette Weekend!




Life is sweet
-mare

overdo update...i suppose

Well friends it's a monday. Not necessarily a bad one, but a monday never-the-less; lacking in any motivation whatsoever. I know i should be studying but i figured i'd blog instead, i mean after all the three test i have this week aren't until wednesday and thursday (if i twittered...#proprocrastinator). And what else to do when you're at work and have nothing going on, than to blog and update the world on what's going on in well my world.

For starters, life is great! UMHB is home and is absolutely wonderful. I know many would agree. I am super overly involved once again this semester, filling my time with FYC, Student Foundations, WW Steering Committee, Co-Directing Sophomore Stunt Night, and helping a little with cru knights. Someday i will learn the meaning of NO, however that is not today. I honestly love the chaos that comes from being busy, probably because of the wonderful people who are involved with me as well. I can't brag enough, i have theee best roommates/roomz/roomskillets whatever we go by, and the best friends anyone could ask for. Yeah i know, mushy gushy, but whatever.

Classes so far aren't too terrible. I am reminded every tuesday thursday though, that i should get my act together with Stats...gross. However its not that bad, because the professor is precious and makes simple but funny jokes. Other classes are cake, especially ceramics, where i can let my inner artist go...or lack there of go. Looking at my social work major, i' m realizing slowly what i'm getting myself into, but i know its where i'm meant to be, even if its just for a moment. God has plans, i'm just following the clues he leaves for me.

A highlight for me was this weekend...the sister came to visit! Yep squirt! Met the parents and her halfway and brought her back, hung out, watched despicable me (favorite), had some froyo, and some good conversation. I'm so blessed. She's so ready for college, and only a junior in highschool, but thats just her. Probably going to be attending here, if not i'll disown her if she chooses ETBU...seriously. Anyhoo, took her back halfway again, and met Dad at the DQ, had a blizzard of course and went our seperate ways. 


So nothing major happening ...still busy, still happy, still loving life.
-mare

and it's a little bittersweet

 Went home this weekend, because well i could. Had no plans here at school going on, no real crazy tests coming up on monday or anything like that, and realized how long it had been since i'd been home last. Let's just say wayyyyy too long! The last time i was home, was coming back from camp, unpacking repacking doing laundry within two days and then heading up to school to start off welcome week stuff. So it was needed, the seeing the family and a few really wonderful friends and the relaxing. God is good, and it shows through the people who love me. Went to the bonfire and peprally for ASU, definitely still San Angelo, not much has changed haha. Gosh i've missed mo and jill, so freaking much! The best part, is knowing we can go forever without talking or seeing eachother and or talking and when we do get to, its like we never left. Can't wait for summer, to be home around them, just that much more. And Peru comes as well with summer! So stoked! Anyhoo, it was good to be home, and aghh sleep in my wonderful haven of a room, thats so cold and dark, and my big bed, that you just crawl into and hide in the mesh of pillows and covers. The only downside to that room is it's little brother morris' domain as well( our pet cat), so i get woken up when he's ready to leave, or come in.         
  Did i mention i love my family? Squirt is getting taller still...that is not ok, i don't think the concept of a smaller bigger sister will sit well with me...yeah no! She's supposed to be my little 8 year old sister, who still pals around with the boys, and plays with woody and buzz. Nope she's a sixteen year old junior, taking more classes than anyone at her age should, she's brilliant, more than me thats for sure, she's gonna do big things in the world, and she loves jesus more than you can imagine! she's kinda my hero.
  Meme and pawpaw are still doing there thing, gotta love them. They always have something to do, or trying to fill there time with something...usually pleasing little bit (brianna) or attempting to. Pawpaw cracks me up with his camera (cannon rebel xrs..yeah serious) and taking pictures without anyone paying attention, and telling me i couldn't leave until he got one he liked. Its so good to see him back again, back to his old self, God is good! 
  So far this week isn't looking to be too terrible, thank goodness. Really wanting to try and strive to make pageant a higher importance, to give it the attention it needs, and the attention the directors deserved. Ya'll rock just so you know, thank you a million times over!!! Probably should practice the talent more than just during pageant practice, and need to definitely edit the platform and polish it up. Goal- be positive while i'm there, and intentional with the other girls, and can fall apart after. Be in the present not look to the future, as far as practice time period goes, oh and life in general. Still waiting for God to point out my purpose in pageant, hasn't really hit me yet, i mean i got the basic gist, but still not 100% sure. But it's good, yep.
  Really going to make a point to keep up the quiet times daily this week. Monday's always are the best, starting it off first thing in the morning, with a little coffee, and ang :) Started reading in James last week, and liked it, probably, no actually..will be going through that book some more. Yup time to get this week going, it's not a bad one, just need to give the lord the glory he deserves and giong in halfway just doesn't cut it.


Love you family, so so so much!


ending the rant, 
love mare

So...It's been awhile

     Alright so i realize i suck at following through with the commitments i've promised over this blog, with the two different books and such. Therefore when i get the inkling to do something new, i just won't tell you, and it'll be a surprise when it follows through. We'll just stick with updates and day to day thoughts.
     However, I would like to inform ya'll that over the summer while working at Pine Cove I did finish, A Love Worth Giving, by Max Lucado. I can't tell you how good it felt to accomplish finishing a book. Believe me it felt amazing, because the book was ridiculously wonderful. So much truth in it!
      
     Now for an update on where the Journey is at this moment for me. It's taken me into Pageant this year. Yes the one and only Miss MHB Pageant. Still funny hearing it put together, me Mary Catherine Baucom in a pageant, definitely made it's statement of irony tonight, as i fell down the steps for the second time since we've started practice. Typical. As weird as it is, I'm loving it; even as stressful and overwhelming it is, i really do love it. So far, i've gotten closer with some girls, i just didn't expect to outside of this setting. I am thankful for that. He's got a plan, and I'm seeing little nuggets of purpose in it, daily. Still trying to see the big picture of why he has me there though...guess it's a little more patience, and understanding that i possibly may not ever know. Oh well, nothing to worry over. What else, lets see...Oh i'm painting for my talent, while the song "Beautiful Things", by Micheal Gungor Band plays in the background. If you haven't heard this song, go listen...NOW... Google it, itune it, groove shark it, whatever you gotta do to find it, do it. It's powerful, or at least i think so. What is the painting? Well thats a surprise, if you really want to see, you'll just have to come to pageant in November (cough 12th&13th). My goal is just to do it with a humble heart, so that the painting isn't for man's pleasing eye, but to bring my heavenly father glory. Learning that more and more everytime we have talent night practice. As for the rest of pageant, eh it's a typical pageant with dance and stroll in an evening gown, platform, and interview. It'll be good. 


     Let's see, i'm most definitely confused with my life as far as career goes. Yup right back where i started, I feel like such a huge hypocrite when it comes to this subject. I decide on something and seem to be super excited and goal minded and as i go along i see that its really not that at all. Where am i at now? Business...Am i happy? Take a wild guess.....NO. It's driving me crazy, I've been in college almost 3 full semesters, and have switched majors for each one, and with the possibility of doing it again. I really wouldn't mind it if God was like here neon flashing sign for this major! Hint Hint dude! But thats not my place to say, it's his plan, not mine, just getting a little impatient is all. I feel like such a horrible steward of my time and my families money, UMHB as you all know ain't super cheap. Whatevs, the experience i've had so far is totally worth it. Besides the major thing. All i know for sure is that I love people, which is what keeps me motivated, and overly involved and committed to too much! I can't say no! Ever...Oh well. Anyhoo there is my dilemma, and i can't let suggestions from family or friends bog my mind, because i'll never be able to hear my heart in all of it, and especially the suggestions he's got for me. Kinda need to hear him out a little more. 


    Mhhhhhh anything else new...loving life in the apartments, God has given me so graciously the best roomates a girl could ask for. Gosh they put up with me on every level, i'm a mess and i'm not afraid to admit it. No denial here.They put up laundry for me when i forget to, they listen to my random rambles about whatever happens to be on my mind. They deal with my frog obsession, it's a little ridic i know i know. They are a blessing on many other levels, holding me accountable daily. I hope you three know i love you very much, and am so thankful for the love i receive from each of you. Ya'll are nothing but blessings, and i don't give ya'll enough credit ever. And on a lighter note, thank you for having a rocking sense of style, and freaking amazing taste in food, and MUSIC! I'd be lost without ya'll. 
Sarah visited this weekend! Missed the girl like crazy. First time i've seen anyone besides the family from home, in a lonnnnnnnggg time. We had a fabulous weekend, much needed conversation. Believe me when i say the girl is Wise! Love you best friend, you are a blessing as well. You are strong and passionate, keep trucking along. Be happy! Can't wait for May!!!!
Miss the family, can't wait to see All of them this weekend, when i make my first trip home this semester!!! Whoooo hoooo! Mom,Dad, Cally, MeMe, Pops, Oma, my girls, etc....Family is good! So good! I love you all so very much, just another wonderful blessing I'm so thankful for. Sorry, i know i've neglected our relationships a bit. 
Got an update not too long ago about summer. Ladies and gentlemen God has opened a door for me, to go back, to yes yes yes....PERU!!! Praise!!! I'm so overjoyed, they have a piece of my heart, and i cannot wait to be back there with everyone! 


Alright, a rant, an update, with a few pointless statements, but none the less a rant.


Thank you for making my mess beautiful! God, you are good


love mare

a challenge... with a little love

Alrighty, so today i started a book. Yup another one, that fingers crossed, i will actually complete. Not that i haven't and won't complete crazy love, but this one's different. I am reading this new book, with my lovely friend and mentor. "A Love Worth Giving" by Max Lucado. I started on the first chapter today, and found myself rather enjoying it. It's not so harsh and convicting as Crazy Love, still a magnificent book, but Max takes a softer approach and his just appeals to me differently. I really liked what i read today and wanted to share a core value of what spoke to me the most, with you people...so here goes...


Most of the chapter is explaining how we can never truly show love, unless we are given it (in the correct form) first, ultimate experiencing God's unconditional love. If you are shown little then you love little, however we are called to love one another, it is one of the greatest commandments and we "believe" that we can do this, but normally fail, because we lose the genuine attitude that follows behind it. 


Personally i don't want show someone love unless it's out of the depths of my heart and shown in a way that portrays that of the love of christ or mimics his to a certain degree. I don't want to pity love someone, because it's the right thing to do?! you know?! i wouldn't want that done for me, so how can i expect to give that and have a sufficient meaning for someone else.


As i read on, it continues to explain how we really cannot love someone, or multiple people correctly unless we have experienced true love from him, ourselves. The only love that never fails us, is the love that comes from Jesus Christ.


-1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says,
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."


Those are powerful and comforting words! It gives us hope to just read and have an understanding of it. 
Now that  you've been given the scripture, like the book did, i'm going to challenge you to place your name where "love" or "it" is and read it over and over.


"Mary is patient, mary is kind. Mary does not envy, mary does not boast, she is not proud. Mary is not rude, she is not self-seeking.....and lie and lie and lie...."


You really can't continue it, because as you start the first line you ultimately realize that it isn't a true statement once you put your name in...kind of humbles you huh?! Shoot it sure did for me. As i read it all the way through with my name, God was like ha funny isn't it?! No it's convicting in a good way and kinda becomes an eye opener. However, with it coming off as a lie, we are able to realize that this is the ultimate task we are given to drive our lives towards. These verses, with our names placed in, should be what we strive to become and live for...or how i understood it at least, unless the Big Man is wrong...and newsflash, he's that guy that GOD, he's always right!


Looking for a little less guilt, well read the verse again like normal, and then replace it with this.


"Jesus is patient, jesus is kind. Jesus does not envy, jesus does not boast, he is not proud. Jesus is not rude, he is not self-seeking, he is not easily angered, he is keeps no record of wrong! Jesus does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. Jesus always protects, Jesus always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Jesus never fails!"


Tell me please, where you do not find that comforting and try to tell me you don't feel loved after reading it?!?! You can't! It's the plain truth. There is no greater love than the love of our father and jesus christ. He's always going to be there! And with that being said, maybe we need to strive to be more intentional with those around us and a little more flexible in our daily lives, i mean come on, God is always there for us, always waiting, he is patient!!!


I struggle with patience alot! Believe me do i ever, ask any of my friends, i have good moments i really do, but many other times, geeeeez i don't. So today i made another little bracelet and added another simple one, but with the word patience...as a reminder of what i need to seek throughout my walk over the next couple of months, and however long this bracelet lasts, and if it's awhile then hopefully it will become a part of my daily life. 


But enough rant for today, take the challenge as you will...


Love never Fails! Jesus never Fails!
-mare

"creek bliss"

so typical me..... i wrote down in my journal my "blog" because the wi fi couldn't reach down by the creek, but what happens...it doesn't get typed up till today the 16th, and i dated the journal entry the 8th...


anyhoo, here it is...


   So today i get the privilege of blogging at the best location possible. "The creek". And i'm lucky enough that it's just me, the falls, a very chipper bird and some kyle park and aaron watson...good' ol texas country. I just almost can't get over, just how amazingly beautiful it is outside today. I wish that the scene that surrounds me now, was the exact picture i woke up to face the beginning of my day, everyday. It's moments like these, that i can just sit and bask in the "aww" factor of God's glory and beautiful works. Like seriously, the big man knew what he was doing. From designing it ALL from the creek, to the rocks, to the people who made my necklace, to my scar on my foot, to my bike that caused this stupid scar. And each thing in his eye is beautiful and has a purpose in his creation.
   I like, no LOVE, knowing that the same God who made such a gorgeous day, made me as well!!!


Besides today's weather, its been a good day because i only have a single class and work on thursdays. Therefore i get to wake up, get ready, go to a great job, that i'm blessed with it's flexibility, and sold formal tickets in the sub as well and enjoyed great company of some of the world's most fantastic friends. If you asked me this time last year what my life would look like now, it wouldn't look even close to this. I honestly can't imagine being anywhere else and being this happy!


Another joy added to my day, is i finally asked this certain someone to be my mentor. I've thought about it alot and realized how much an impact it would help with my spiritual walk and i would just get to become closer friends with her as well, to top it off! She is so incredibly joyful and i know that it comes from her love of the Lord and living a life that glorifies him.


All this being said... I came to a decision last night. For the longest time my life has consisted of living for christ but slacking in a personal relationship with him. I have come to realize alot lately, recently, previously and notice i get back into my routine of feeling and thinking "i can do it on my own god, i'm good but thanks anyways". I'll pray here and there, and have a "quiet time" when i "feel" like it...(man the quotations are heavy today)...Then something like focus or revival or biblestudy comm group comes up and i realize it again and have a longing to change it and two days later i'm back to square one. I know this sounds like i had a realization moment and i did, yes, but i know without a doubt in my mind that i want to get off my treadmill of a life and start blazing a trail, a trail that consists of living for him but also loving his people and truly understanding and seeking what it means to be "in" Love with him. It's going to take time i know that and i'm glad, no reason to rush, because he's always there, but no putting him aside and abusing his patience and persistence .
I am blessed with so incredibly much. I have a health and happy "together" family. Amazing, Amazing friendships, and so much more...and i can't rely on him or give him my best? and i have a friend who's mamoo is pretty sick and she's going through so very much and my friend finds joy in suffering and my friend finds joy in it, and stands strong in her walk and manages to do her job and school work and never ever gets stressed because she knows it's not worth it, when it comes to eternity and gives it all to one creator and i am absolutely blessed and manage to let worry and stress rule my life and slothfulness and lazyness as well, run prevalent through me. It's not fair to bug, not fair to me and definaetly not fair to GOD who deserves nothing better than all of me and can handle all my worries. However, i can not let my faith and personal relationship be motivated out of guilt, and i won't. 
Soooo...No more treadmill
Grabbing a walking stick (God) and blazing a new trail.


"For this is the day the Lord 
has made and i will rejoice
and be glad in it!"


-well that was quite an extensive rant...making up for time missed...ish


love much
-mare

no surprise...

       Sooooo I've barely started this new chapter of my journey, and already i'm lagging behind. pretty much my life story i feel like, or at least half of the time. However, i at least caught myself before it really got out of hand, and i put it off a week later or something of that sort.
        Now due to the time of night, i will just have to fill you in on Monday's occurrences later on, in a separate post. But it'll be worth the wait i promise; actually probably not, but whatever. Anyhoo, today was tuesday. Usually not one of my busier days, only one class for the day and that is mathematics review and working in "the office." As for today work consisted of, helping out with fyc and selling formal tickets in the sub. Sadly for the time spent there, my good looks didn't get any sales, and ended in an epic fail, of 0 tickets sold during the two hours i sat there. Oh well, hopefully the others will be more successful in the days to follow, because i think it's gonna turn out to be a good year for formal. 
        Moving on, the morning started off well, with a very needed and relaxing shower. Thursday? yep that was the last....well you get the idea. Talked to God a little in the shower like usual, and while i was getting ready. Found myself off track at some points, and ended with a bit of frustration...which i am not fond of when wanting to spend time with him. However, after cleaning my room for roomcheck and before my 4 o clock class, i had a good half hour of quiet time. I didn't get into the word, but read half of chapter 8 in "Crazy Love", the profile of the obsessed. In all honesty i haven't been keeping up with reading it lately, and today seemed perfect to hop back on track. It was absolutely gorgeous outside, so i sat by the pond and basked in the sun, and expanded my brain for some needed reading time. I really enjoyed having that moment of peace, just that whole concept of taking time to be alone, and in quiet. This causes me to question, if i can feel this way by just grabbing a book and plopping down, then what is still holding me back from plopping down with the greatest book ever written and listening to what God has in store for me, or spending time with him?!?!


------------------------i fell asleep while stretching here, seriously, story of my life-------------------------------------


OK back to where i left off, sorry. Basically, i am learning more everyday,  and that little moment by the pond, was a definite learning moment, and sitting down and focusing on that i can see it. my goal is to finish crazy love within the next few days or week or so, and then start something new, and really work on being consistent with it...not really sure which book, but any book i think will do.


So looking back, now that its a different day once again, i realize that yesterday was just another rough one, and it got alot better as the day went on, but just being sick and silly other little stuff consumes me, it reallllllly does, and i can't lie but i really like being in control. and just realizing, that once i let loose and had a good time, like the softball game (which not to brag, but we won, against a "were too cool/show off team" and i had so much fun, with everyone on the team)  and then after i went and grabbed mc d's with evan, taylor and nicki, and it was so fun, as always, and stopped by the conference center, which i have been to every night this week, and i've missed getting to be there. 


But anyhoo thats where i was yesterday/today/ tuesday, a new form of ranting


-mare

one month...

hello hello hello...
it's been awhile i have to say. and now is the time to change it! before i go into my rant, i would like to say that i have a blog saved in my drafts and it was very extensive and explained why i haven't written in this thing is so long, and shone insight into my spring break life. However, i didn't continue what i had started, and before i could go back to it, i was challenged...in the most needed, random and wonderful way possible. One night while waiting at revival my friend sarah texted me, talking about how she had no idea i had a blog, and how much she liked getting to read, and telling me how much she loved it. "thank you's" went on, and sarah continued and had more to say, that just compliments, her words to a certain estimate were, "mare i want to challenge you to write consistently each day for one month in your blog, about your god encounters and daily encounters, happy, sad, anything really, but just for a consistent month."
-Therefore, here i am, starting a new chapter in my journey, and probably at the perfect time. What sarah didn't know that upon my return, i had no extra excitement over returning and having revival, excited to be reunited with friends and etc...but no joy otherwise. the last thing honestly i wanted to do, was worship the God who deserves all of me, i have been in a rut, springbreak-breakaway was wonderful and i really applied and am working on what the messages had to say, but just got stuck in a rut inbetween end of breakaway, the rest of my sprinbreak and return to UMHB. i honestly only went to revival because everyone of my close friends were and i thought why not, can't hurt to just be there. What i didn't know was that the revival messages had a special impact of their own waiting...i needed to hear each one...
however, even though its what i know i needed i still continued to let stunt night, o-glorious stunt night rule my life and continued and have been still minded in i've got control. i'm still doing it, and not spending enough time with him and i know it, but i can not get this nagging feeling off my chest, i hate that spending time with him has been feeling like a chore, and it just overwhelms me. i know it shouldn't be, becuase i can take my time and work my way with baby steps with him guiding me, because a relationship with him is soooooo totally personal, and i can not compare mine and his relationship, with anyone elses. i tend to do that, ALOT. 
-thats where i am with all of the rollercoaster emotions, but i wanta let you in on my absolutely wonderful, sponateneously fantastic weekend. buttttttt, it'll have to wait for another post.


-beginning rant of those to come.
-love mare

crazy good...

good morning all...
its well not so much morning anymore but the post coincides with this mornings occurences. i woke up this morning, earlier because i work at 8 on tuesdays and thursdays, not a hard job, so not hard to wake up to go do. i have had a good wake up call the past week and a half from a dear friend :) makes it a little easier to roll out of bed. however, i knew that after work this morning was my bicycling class, and due to the ABSOLUTE GLORIOUS weather outside today, (glorious meaning not temperature, but pretty, NO CLOUDSSSSS!) i knew we would be riding outside, conisdering that it rained so much in the past weeks, we have been in the cardio room for workout. The reason i dreaded the ride even though its pretty outside, was the temperature my laptop said this morning (32 degrees and a high of 45 if your lucky, and windchill of 20. hahaha) i thought this is gonnna succcccckkkkk; knowing who my professor was, it was inevitable that we would ride. Sure enough i show up in a decent amount of layers, wait outside the gym for a bit with the others with hardened hearts and complaining without a care in the world, as if the world should revolve around us and she waltzes out in her gear and ready to go. "Its cold i know, but not raining lets go, its gonna be a little shorter but harder intensity to compensate." Crap she's crazy. However, i usually use this time to talk with the big guy upstairs about anything and everything going on in my life that morning or week ( quiet time ish) but today i wasn't in the mood. I just wanted to be miserable and upset and complain about how freakkking cold it was. About five minutes into our ride, i told myself i want to quit and turn around and say screw this and i almost did. Something inside me, stopped me. I'm not sure what it is but i have a feeling he's related to the holy spirit. He said mary, its beautiful, cold outside, but beautiful. You are alive another day, you just told me how you wanted to stop living halfway. Give me your all in this, glorify me in every part of your life, even in a rough bike ride for class. You can do this. Throughout the ride i had low points and reminded myself the all too familiar verse (Philippins 4:13- i can do all things through christ who gives me strength). Sure enough, when my professor would pull up beside me and check on me, i was able to say its hard but im getting through it, it could always be worse, and the sun is shining. i pushed through with the power of knowing god wasn't go anywhere and finished. The ride was hard because the wind chill was ridiculous and it was blowing at about 15 miles, im 111 lbs and 5'4'' not exactly easy to be on a bike, riding up and down hills, cars speeding past, i'm a little biased, but not exactly exaggerating. It was rough, not awful but rough. I did it though, pulled back into campus, and i didn't have a pissy attitude, i was proud that i did it, that i pushed myself through, with a knowledge that HE was there the whole entire time. I know its a weird epiphony with biking and all but sometimes its takes ridiculou scenarios to remind us that we don't have control and when life has its totally suck moments, that he's there, beside us, pushing us, reminding us that he is worthy to be praised no matter what!

Today i will praise you for you are worthy to be praised!

Exodus 15:2 " The lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my GOD and i will praise him, my fathers God and i will Exalt Him!"
Exodus 15:2-21


So theres todays bit of a rant. A lesson learned and a God who's loving and willing to listen :)

Its beautiful, go outside, but its brisk, grab a jacket
-mare